Fire Starting Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

A fire starting assembly can include a number of similarly shaped planks, each having substantially similar height, width, and length dimensions. Each plank is at least in part made from a flammable material such as wood, particle board, compressed sawdust or the like. A first connecting member can engage each plank at a first end of each plank. For example, each plank can include a first aperture at the first end and the first connecting member can be string or twine that is threaded through each first aperture. The ends of the first connecting member can be secured to each other to form a ring or loop. A second connecting member can engage each plank at a second end of each plank. The second connecting member can have a length that is longer than the first connecting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/989,729, filed on May 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This document relates to systems and methods for starting fires.

2. Background Information

Fire is one of man's oldest inventions, yet we are still mesmerized by its simple beauty. Fire is still a very essential part of life for many people around the world. Fire provides light for seeing in the dark, heat for braving harsh climates, and the flames necessary for cooking and preparing food. The human condition has for millennia been, and will continue to be, deeply intertwined with our use and control of fire.

SUMMARY

This document provides structures and methods for readily and quickly starting fires. The structures and methods provided can be used to quickly and efficiently start fires for use in disparate scenarios and locations, including for use in starting campfires at campsites, backyard barbeques, outdoor fire pits, and indoor fire places. The structures and methods provided can be easily utilized by both experienced outdoorsmen as well as beginners. The structures and methods provided can be used to start fires in an environmentally friendly manner.

In one aspect, a fire starting assembly can include a number of similarly shaped planks, each having substantially similar height, width, and length dimensions. Each plank is at least in part made from a flammable material such as wood, particle board, compressed sawdust or the like. A first connecting member can engage each plank at a first end of each plank. For example, each plank can include a first aperture at the first end and the first connecting member can be string or twine that is threaded through each first aperture. The ends of the first connecting member can be secured to each other to form a ring or loop (e.g., by tying two ends of the string or twine together). A second connecting member can engage each plank at a second end of each plank. The second connecting member can have a length that is longer than the first connecting member. For example, each plank can include a second aperture at the second end and the second connecting member can be string or twine that is threaded through each second aperture. The ends of the second connecting member can be secured to each other to form a ring or loop (e.g., by tying two ends of the string or twine together). The loop formed by the second connecting member can have a length that is greater than the loop formed by the first connecting member.

In some aspects, the number of similarly shaped planks can be a first set of planks, while a second set of planks is made up of a number of similarly shaped planks, each having substantially similar height, width, and length dimensions, with the planks in the second set of planks having lengths that are less than the lengths of the planks that make up the first set of planks. A third connecting member (e.g., string, twine) can engage each plank in the second set of planks at a first end of each plank. For example, each plank in the second set of planks can include a first aperture at the first end and the third connecting member can be string or twine that is threaded through each first aperture. The ends of the third connecting member can be secured to each other to form a ring or loop (e.g., by tying two ends of the string or twine together). In some implementations, the second connecting member can engage a second end of each of the planks in the second set of planks. In this way, each plank in the second set of planks and each plank in the first set of planks is connected by the second connecting member. In some aspects, the fire starting assembly is configured such that the second connecting member alternately engages the planks from the first set of planks and the planks from the second set of planks. For example, a second end of a plank from the second set of planks can be positioned along the second connecting member between each pair of planks from the first set of planks, such that no plank from the first set of planks is immediately adjacent to another plank from the first set of planks along the second connecting member and no plank from the second set of planks is immediately adjacent to another plank from the second set of planks along the second connecting member.

Additional configurations for fire starting assemblies as well as various methods of use and construction are described in greater detail herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example fire starting assembly.

FIG. 2 shows a zoomed in view of the fire starting assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the fire starting assembly of FIG. 1 in an operative state for use in starting a fire.

FIG. 4 shows a top down view of the fire starting assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom up view of the fire starting assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the fire starting assembly of FIG. 1 in a non-operative state.

FIG. 7 shows planks that can be used in creating a fire starting assembly.

FIG. 8 shows a fire starting kit that includes a fire starting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example fire starting assembly 100 that includes a first set of planks 102 a-f. The planks 102 a-f are at least partially made of a flammable material. For example, the planks 102 a-f can be wood planks. Other examples of materials that can be used to make the planks 102 a-f include particle board, compressed sawdust, compressed sawdust combined with paraffin, compressed wood shavings, cardboard or compressed straw. In some embodiments, each of the planks 102 a-f has substantially similar height, width, and length dimensions. For example, each plank 102 a-f can have a height of approximately 12 inches, a length of approximately 1.5 inches, and a width of approximately 3/16 inches. As another example, each plank 102 a-f can have a height in the range of 6 to 18 inches, a length in the range of ½ inches to 3 inches, and a width in the range of 1/16 inches to ½ inches. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the fire starting assembly 100 can be configured for use in starting large bonfires. In some such configurations, each plank 102 a-f can have a height in the range of 2 to 6 feet, a length in the range of 4 inches to 2 feet, and a width in the range of ¼ inches to 2 inches. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fire starting assembly 100 includes six planks 102 a-f in the first set of planks. In some embodiments, the first set of planks can include more or less than six planks. In some implementations, the planks 102 a-f can be tapered, such that the planks 102 a-f are wider and/or longer at the bottom than they are at the top.

The fire starting assembly 100 further includes a first connecting member 104 for connecting first ends (e.g., top ends in this example) of each of the planks 102 a-f. In the example shown, the first connecting member 104 is a strip of twine. Other materials can also be used to form the first connecting member 104. For example string, rope, one or more leather strips, flexible cardboard, or paper can be used to create the first connecting member 104. In preferred embodiments, the first connecting member 104 is at least partially made from a flammable material, however it is possible to construct the first connecting member 104 from non-flammable materials such as, for example, metal wire or plastic. The first connecting member 104 can have a length of, for example, approximately 14 inches. As another example, the first connecting member 104 can have a length of between 6 and 24 inches.

The first connecting member 104 connects first ends (e.g., top ends in this example) of each of the planks 102 a-f. In the example shown, each plank 102 a-f includes an aperture 106 a-f at a top end. The apertures 106 a-f are sufficiently sized to allow the first connecting member 104 to easily pass through each of the planks 102 a-f.

The ends of the first connecting member 104 are joined to form a loop. For example, the first connecting member 104 can be a piece of string that is threaded through each aperture 106 a-f to connect the planks 102 a-f and the ends of the string can be tied together. In some embodiments, rather than the two ends of the first connecting member 104 being tied together, the ends can be connected using one or more fastening members. For example, a metal grommet can be used to fasten the ends of the first connecting member 104 to each other to form a loop. When the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position (as shown in FIG. 1) the planks 102 a-f can be spaced roughly evenly around the loop created by the first connecting member 104. In some embodiments, the first connecting member 104 does not engage the planks 102 a-f using the apertures 106 a-f. For example, the first connecting member 104 can be wrapped around a portion of each plank 102 a-f to engage the planks 102 a-f and connect the planks 102 a-f to one another. As another example, each plank 102 a-f can include one or more notches cut out of the sides of the planks 102 a-f. The first connecting member 104 can engage the planks 102 a-f by being inserted into the notches. In some embodiments, the first connecting member 104 can be inserted through notches or apertures in the planks 102 a-f and also wrapped around each of the planks 102 a-f to engage the planks 102 a-f and connect the planks 102 a-f to one another.

The fire starting assembly 100 further includes a second connecting member 108. The second connecting member 108 can engage each of the planks 102 a-f at a second end (e.g., a bottom end in the example shown) to connect the planks 102 a-f to each other. In a preferred embodiment (as shown in the example in FIG. 1) the second connecting member 108 has a length that is greater than a length of the first connecting member 104. The second connecting member 108 can have a length of, for example, approximately 40 inches. As another example, the second connecting member 108 can have a length in the range of 10 inches to 70 inches. In the example shown, the second connecting member 108 is a strip of twine. Other materials can also be used to form the second connecting member 108. For example string, rope, one or more leather strips, flexible cardboard, or paper can be used to create the second connecting member 108. In preferred embodiments, the second connecting member 108 is at least partially made from a flammable material, however it is possible to construct the second connecting member 108 from non-flammable materials such as, for example, metal wire or plastic. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 is made from the same material as the first connecting member 104.

The second connecting member 108 connects second ends (e.g., bottom ends in this example) of each of the planks 102 a-f. In the example shown, each plank 102 a-f includes an aperture 110 a-f at a bottom end. The apertures 110 a-f are sufficiently sized to allow the second connecting member 108 to easily pass through each of the planks 102 a-f.

The ends of the second connecting member 108 are joined to form a loop. For example, the second connecting member 108 can be a piece of string that is threaded through each aperture 110 a-f to connect the planks 102 a-f and the ends of the string can be tied together. In some embodiments, rather than the two ends of the second connecting member 108 being tied together, the ends can be connected using one or more fastening members. For example, a metal grommet can be used to fasten the ends of the second connecting member 108 to each other to form a loop. In the example shown, the loop created by the second connecting member 108 is larger than the loop created by the first connecting member 104. The differing sizes for the first and second connecting members 104 and 108 allows the second ends (bottom ends) of the planks 102 a-f to be spaced further apart from the first ends (top ends) of the planks 102 a-f when the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position as shown in FIG. 1. This arrangement of the planks 102 a-f with the bottom ends spaced further apart than the top ends creates a configuration in which an open space is defined within the fire starting assembly 100 by the planks 102 a-f. The spacing apart of the planks 102 a-f in the manner depicted also allows oxygen to readily pass between the planks 102 a-f to reach the interior of the fire starting assembly 100.

When the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position (as shown in FIG. 1) the planks 102 a-f can be spaced roughly evenly around the loop created by the second connecting member 108. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 does not engage the planks 102 a-f using the apertures 110 a-f. For example, the second connecting member 108 can be wrapped around a bottom portion of each plank 102 a-f to engage the planks 102 a-f and connect the planks 102 a-f to one another. As another example, each plank 102 a-f can include one or more notches cut out of the sides of the planks 102 a-f near the bottom portion of each plank 102 a-f. The second connecting member 108 can engage the planks 102 a-f by being inserted into the notches. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 can be inserted through notches or apertures in the planks 102 a-f and also wrapped around each of the planks 102 a-f to engage a bottom portion of each of the planks 102 a-f and connect the planks 102 a-f to one another.

In some embodiments, the fire starting assembly 100 further includes a second set of planks 112 a-f (not all of which are visible in FIG. 1). The planks 112 a-f are at least partially made of a flammable material. For example, the planks 112 a-f can be wood planks. Other examples of materials that can be used to make the planks 112 a-f include particle board, compressed sawdust, compressed sawdust combined with paraffin, cardboard or compressed straw. In some embodiments, each of the planks 112 a-f has substantially similar height, width, and length dimensions. In some embodiments, each of the planks 112 a-f in the second set of planks has a length that is less than the length of each of the planks 102 a-f in the first set of planks. For example, each plank 112 a-f can have a height of approximately 7 inches, a length of approximately 1.5 inches, and a width of approximately 3/16 inches. As another example, each plank 112 a-f can have a height in the range of 3-10 inches, a length in the range of ½ inches to 3 inches, and a width in the range of 1/16 inches to ½ inches. Larger or smaller sized planks for the second set of planks 112 a-f are also possible. For example, larger planks can be included in the second set of planks 112 a-f to create a fire starting assembly for use in making large bonfires. In some implementations, the planks 112 a-f can be tapered, such that the planks 112 a-f are wider and/or longer at the bottom than they are at the top. In some embodiments, some or all of the planks 102 a-f and/or the planks 112 a-f can be cylindrical.

In embodiments of the fire starting assembly 100 that include the second set of planks 112 a-f, the fire starting assembly 100 can further include a third connecting member 114 for connecting first ends (e.g., top ends in this example) of each of the planks 112 a-f. In the example shown, the third connecting member 114 is a strip of twine. Other materials can also be used to form the third connecting member 114. For example string, rope, one or more leather strips, flexible cardboard, or paper can be used to create the third connecting member 114. In preferred embodiments, the third connecting member 114 is at least partially made from a flammable material, however it is possible to construct the third connecting member 114 from non-flammable materials such as, for example, metal wire or plastic. The third connecting member 114 connects first ends (e.g., top ends in this example) of each of the planks 112 a-f. In the example shown, each plank 112 a-f includes an aperture 116 a-f at a top end. The apertures 116 a-f are sufficiently sized to allow the third connecting member 114 to easily pass through each of the planks 112 a-f.

The ends of the third connecting member 114 are joined to form a loop. For example, the third connecting member 114 can be a piece of twine that is threaded through each aperture 116 a-f to connect the planks 112 a-f and the ends of the string can be tied together. In some embodiments, rather than the two ends of the third connecting member 114 being tied together, the ends can be connected using one or more fastening members. For example, a metal grommet can be used to fasten the ends of the third connecting member 114 to each other to form a loop. When the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position (as shown in FIG. 1) the planks 112 a-f can be spaced roughly evenly around the loop created by the third connecting member 114. In some embodiments, the third connecting member 114 does not engage the planks 112 a-f using the apertures 116 a-f. For example, the third connecting member 114 can be wrapped around a portion of each plank 112 a-f to engage the planks 112 a-f and connect the planks 112 a-f to one another. As another example, each plank 112 a-f can include one or more notches cut out of the sides of the planks 112 a-f. The third connecting member 114 can engage the planks 112 a-f by being inserted into the notches. In some embodiments, the third connecting member 114 can be inserted through notches or apertures in the planks 112 a-f and also wrapped around each of the planks 112 a-f to engage the planks 112 a-f and connect the planks 112 a-f to one another.

In some embodiments, the first connecting member 104 is secured to the third connecting member 114 such that the first set of planks 102 a-f is secured to the second set of planks 112 a-f through the connection between the first and third connecting members 104 and 114. For example, a portion of the first connecting member 104 can be tied to the third connecting member 114 to secure the first connecting member 104 to the third connecting member 114. As another example, a portion of the third connecting member 114 can be tied to the first connecting member 104 to secure the first connecting member 104 to the third connecting member 114. In some implementations, a securing member 118 is implemented to secure the first connecting member 104 to the third connecting member 114. The securing member 118 can be, for example, a portion of the first connecting member 104, a portion of the third connecting member 114, or a member that is separate from both the first connecting member 104 and third connecting member 114. The securing member 118 can be, for example, a piece of string, twine, wire, rope, cardboard or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the securing member 118 is at least in part made from a flammable material. The securing member 118 secures the first connecting member 104 to the third connecting member 114 such that the first set of planks 102 a-f is secured to the second set of planks 112 a-f. In some embodiments in which the securing member 118 is a piece of string or twine, the securing member 118 can have a length, for example, that is approximately 7 inches. As another example, the securing member 118 can have a length in the range of 2 inches to 10 inches.

In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 is configured to engage a second end (e.g., bottom end in the example shown) of each of the planks 112 a-f. In the example shown, each plank 112 a-f includes an aperture 120 a-f at a bottom end. The apertures 120 a-f are sufficiently sized to allow the second connecting member 108 to easily pass through each of the planks 112 a-f. In some embodiments, the third connecting member 114 has a length that is shorter than the length of the second connecting member 108. The third connecting member 114 can have a length, for example, of approximately 9 inches. As another example, the third connecting member 114 can have a length in the range of 4 inches to 20 inches.

As described above, the ends of the second connecting member 108 are joined to form a loop. For example, the second connecting member 108 can be a piece of string that is threaded through each aperture 120 a-f of the planks 112 a-f and each aperture 110 a-f of the planks 102 a-f and the ends of the string are tied together to form a loop. In some embodiments, rather than the two ends of the second connecting member 108 being tied together, the ends can be connected using one or more fastening members. For example, a metal grommet can be used to fasten the ends of the second connecting member 108 to each other to form a loop. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 engages the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f such that the planks 102 a-f alternate with the planks 112 a-f along the second connecting member 108. For example, each plank in the first set of planks 102 a-f is adjacent on either side to a plank from the second set of planks 112 a-f along the second connecting member 108. In some embodiments, the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f are roughly equally spaced around the loop formed by the second connecting member 108.

In the example shown, the loop created by the second connecting member 108 is larger than the loop created by the third connecting member 114. The differing sizes for the second and third connecting members 108 and 1114 allows the second ends (bottom ends) of the planks 112 a-f to be spaced further apart from the first ends (top ends) of the planks 112 a-f when the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position as shown in FIG. 1. This arrangement of the planks 112 a-f with the bottom ends spaced further apart than the top ends creates a configuration in which an open space is defined within the fire starting assembly 100 by the planks 112 a-f. The spacing apart of the planks 112 a-f in the manner depicted also allows oxygen to readily pass between the planks 112 a-f to reach the interior of the fire starting assembly 100. In some implementations, the third connecting member 114 has a length that is less than the first connecting member 104 such that the loop created by the third connecting member 114 is smaller in radius than the loop created by the first connecting member 104. This causes the top ends of the planks 112 a-f to be positioned closer together than the top ends of the planks 102 a-f when the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position. In other embodiments, the length of the third connecting member 114 is substantially the same as or longer than the length of the first connecting member 104.

In some embodiments, the number of planks in the first set of planks 102 is equal to the number of planks in the second set of planks 112. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the each of the first and second set of planks contains six planks. As another example, each of the first and second set of planks can contain eight planks. In some embodiments, larger or smaller numbers of planks can be included in each of the first and second set of planks. In some embodiments, the second set of planks can include more or less planks than the first set of planks.

When the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operable position (as shown in FIG. 1) the planks 112 a-f can be spaced roughly evenly around the loop created by the second connecting member 108. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 does not engage the planks 112 a-f using the apertures 120 a-f. For example, the second connecting member 108 can be wrapped around a bottom portion of each plank 112 a-f to engage the planks 112 a-f and connect the planks 112 a-f to one another. As another example, each plank 112 a-f can include one or more notches cut out of the sides of the planks 112 a-f near the bottom portion of each plank 112 a-f. The second connecting member 108 can engage the planks 112 a-f by being inserted into the notches. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 108 can be inserted through notches or apertures in the planks 112 a-f and also wrapped around each of the planks 112 a-f to engage a bottom portion of each of the planks 112 a-f and connect the planks 112 a-f to one another.

In use, the fire starting assembly 100 is positioned such that the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f are arranged in a roughly circular arrangement with the top ends of the planks 102 a-f being spaced more closely together than the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f due to the shorter length of the first connecting member 104 in comparison to the second connecting member 108. Similarly, the top ends of the planks 112 a-f are positioned closer together than the bottom ends of the planks 112 a-f due to the shorter length of the third connecting member 114 in comparison to the second connecting member 108. The fire starting assembly 100 allows the bottoms of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f to be quickly and easily spread apart to form a “teepee” type structure. In some implementations, a match, lighter, striker, or other igniting device is used to apply a flame to a portion of the fire starting assembly 100. For example, a match can be used to apply a flame to a portion of the second connecting member 108. The unique configuration of the fire starting assembly 100 allows the fire to quickly grow and engulf the fire starting assembly 100, using the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f as fuel.

Prior to use, the fire starting assembly 100 can be stored in a compact, non-operative state for easy storage and transportation, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f can be positioned such that both the first and second ends of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f are brought within close proximity to each other, such that the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f are all arranged substantially parallel to each other. In some implementations, the fire starting assembly 100 can be stored in a bag, such as a burlap sack, when the fire starting assembly 100 is in a compact non-operative state for convenient transportation.

In some implementations, additional flammable materials can be used in combination with the fire starting assembly 100 to start a fire. For example, a number of cotton balls (for example, two or three cotton balls) that have been treated or coated with petroleum jelly can be placed within an interior space formed by the fire starting assembly 100 to assist in igniting a fire using the fire starting assembly 100. A flame can be applied to one or more of the cotton balls. The flame can then quickly spread to the fire starting assembly 100. As another example, one or more pieces of paper (e.g. newspaper) can be crumpled up and placed within the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100. A flame can be applied to the paper. The flame then spreads to the fire starting assembly 100 and grows in intensity using the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f as fuel.

Other materials that can be used to enhance flammability of the fire starting assembly 100 can include hay, straw, paper fragments (e.g., shredded paper), dried organic matter (e.g., dried grass or leaves), tree bark (such as birch bark), coal or saw dust. Additionally, portions of the fire starting assembly 100 can be treated with flame accelerants such as petroleum based products (e.g., oil, gasoline), biological products (e.g., vegetable oil), or other accelerants.

In some implementations, the fire starting assembly 100 can be stored or packaged in a container or packaging that is at least in part made from a flammable material that can be used in lighting the fire starting assembly 100. For example, the fire starting assembly 100 can be stored in a burlap sack when in a compact, non-operative state. The fire starting assembly 100 can be removed from the burlap sack and positioned in an operative state with the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f spread apart at a distance that is greater than a distance between the top ends of the planks 102 a-f or a distance between the top ends of the planks 112 a-f, as shown in the example in FIG. 1. The burlap sack can be balled up and placed within the interior space formed by the fire starting assembly 100 when in the operative state. A flame can be applied to the burlap sack until the burlap sack ignites. The flame from the burlap sack then transfers to the fire starting assembly 100 and the fire readily increases in size and intensity due to the unique configuration of the fire starting assembly 100 that allows for a preferred level of oxygen flow to the fire.

In some implementations, logs, boards, or other flammable materials can be placed around the fire starting assembly 100 such that flames from the fire starting assembly 100 ignite the logs, boards, or other flammable materials to produce a fire that has a desired duration and intensity. For example, wood or other materials can be placed around the fire starting assembly 100 prior to lighting the fire starting assembly 100. As another example, after the fire starting assembly 100 has been lit and started to take flame, logs can be placed over the flames created by the fire starting assembly 100.

In some implementations, multiple fire starting assemblies can be used at once. For example, multiple fire starting assemblies can be placed in an operative position and placed in close proximity to each other. Each of the fire starting assemblies can be lit to start a fire. Logs or other flammable materials can be placed among the fire starting assemblies to produce a fire that has a desired duration and intensity.

In some embodiments, the fire starting assembly 100 does not include the second set of planks 112 a-f or the third connecting member 114. In such embodiments, the fire starting assembly 100 includes the planks 102 a-f connected at the top ends by the first connecting member 104, which has a length that is shorter than a length of the second connecting member 108, which engages the planks 102 a-f at a bottom end of each plank 102 a-f. The greater length of the second connecting member 108 in comparison to the first connecting member 104 allows the fire starting assembly 100 to be quickly placed in an operative state by spreading the bottoms of the planks 102 a-f apart to form a “teepee” type structure.

In some implementations, the fire starting assembly 100 does not include the second connecting member 108. For example, the bottoms of the planks 102 a-f (as well as the bottoms of the planks 112 a-f in embodiments that include the planks 112 a-f) are not connected by the second connecting member 108. The bottoms of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f can be arranged in a rough circular shape to form a “teepee” type structure even though the bottoms of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f are not connected by the second connecting member 108.

In some implementations, each of the first, second, and third connecting members 104, 108, and 114 can be made up of multiple pieces. For example, the first connecting member can be a number of string segments that is equal to the number of planks in the first set of planks. Each string segment can connect two of the planks such that each plank is engaged by two different string segments to two other planks. As another example, a different, distinct piece of twine or string can be used to connect the bottom end of each plank in the first set of planks to another other planks of the first or second set of planks. Each string segment can connect two of the planks such that a bottom portion of each plank is engaged by two different string segments to bottom portions of two other planks.

FIG. 2 shows a zoomed in view of the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows an operative state for the fire starting assembly 100 with the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f arranged in a roughly circular formation defined by the second connecting member 108. The fire starting assembly 100 defines an interior space in which flammable materials (e.g., a burlap sack, treated cotton balls, crumpled paper, dried leaves, tree bark etc.) can be placed and lit in order to start the fire starting assembly 100 on fire. The fire starting assembly 100 is positioned such that the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f are spaced apart further from each other than the top ends of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f due to the greater length of the second connecting member 108 in comparison to the first and third connecting members 104 and 114.

FIG. 3 shows the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1 in an operative state for use in starting a fire. The fire starting assembly 100 is positioned such that the bottoms of the planks are spread apart in a roughly circular pattern defined by the second connecting member 108 to form a “teepee” type structure. Paper 122 has been inserted within an internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100. For example, the paper 122 can be paper that is included as part of packaging for the fire starting assembly 100, or one or more crumpled pieces of newspaper. In use, a flame can be applied to the paper 122 (e.g., by using a match or lighter) to start the paper 122 on fire. The fire can quickly spread to the fire starting assembly 100 and grow in intensity. Other materials aside from the paper can be inserted into the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100. For example, cardboard (e.g., cardboard packaging used to encase the fire starting assembly 100 when in a non-operative, compact state) can be inserted into the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100 and lit to start fire. As another example, a bag or sack that is made of a flammable material (e.g. burlap, paper) that is used to carry the fire starting assembly 100 when in a compact, non-operative state can be balled up and inserted into the interior space defined by the fire starting assembly 100. The flammable bag or sack can then be lit to start a fire using the fire starting assembly 100.

FIG. 4 shows a top down view of the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The planks 102 a-f are arranged in a roughly circular arrangement with the bottom ends of the planks 102 a-f spaced further apart from the top ends of the planks 102 a-f due to the greater length of the second connecting member 108 in comparison to the first connecting member 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the first connecting member 104 is threaded through the apertures 106 a-f formed in the top portions of the planks 102 a-f to connect the top ends of the planks 102 a-f to each other in a roughly circular configuration. As described above, the first connecting member 104 can engage the top portions of the planks 102 a-f in other manners besides being threaded through apertures in the planks 102 a-f. For example, the first connecting member 104 can be wrapped around a top portion of each plank 102 a-f one or more times.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom up view of the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1 when the fire starting assembly 100 is arranged in an operative state. The bottom portions of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f are spread apart further than the tops of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f. For example, the loop formed by the third connecting member 114 is smaller in radius than the loop formed by the second connecting member 108, which causes the tops of the planks 112 a-f to be spaced closer together than the bottoms of the planks 112 a-f. Additionally, FIG. 5 shows that the loop formed by the second connecting member 108 is created by the ends of the second connecting member 108 being tied together. As described above, other methods of securing the ends of the second connecting member 108 to each other can also be employed.

FIG. 6 shows the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1 in a compact, non-operative state. In use, the second ends of the planks 102 a-f and planks 112 a-f (which are connected by the second connecting member 108) are brought into close proximity to each other as shown to allow for convenient storage and transportation of the fire starting assembly 100. The planks can be positioned such that the planks of the fire starting assembly 100 are substantially parallel to one another along at least one dimension of the planks. The compact configuration allows the fire starting assembly 100 to be easily inserted into a carrying case (such as a burlap or paper bag). Additionally, the compact configuration allows several fire starting assemblies having similar or identical compositions to the fire starting assembly 100 to be easily and compactly stacked. For example, several fire starting assemblies can be stacked on top of each other in a shelf when the fire starting assemblies are each in a compact, non-operative state.

FIG. 7 shows a set of planks that can be used in configuring a fire starting assembly, such as the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 shows the planks 102 a-f prior to being assembled to create the fire starting assembly 100. Each plank 102 a-f includes an aperture 106 a-f at a first end and an aperture 110 a-f at a second end, respectively. For example, the plank 110 c includes the aperture 106 c at the first end and the aperture 110 c at the second end. The first ends of the planks 102 a-f can be connected to each other by a connecting member such as a string, twine, wire, etc. For example, the first connecting member 104 of FIG. 1 can be a piece of twine and can be threaded through the apertures 106 a-f and tied off at the ends to connect the first ends of the planks 102 a-f in a roughly circular configuration. As another example, another connecting member can be used to connect the second ends of the planks 102 a-f. For example, the second connecting member 108 of FIG. 1 can be threaded through the apertures 110 a-f to connect the second ends of the planks 102 a-f to each other in a roughly circular configuration. As described above, the second connecting member 108 can be longer than the first connecting member 104 such that a “teepee” type structure can be easily formed by the fire starting assembly 100 when the planks 102 a-f of the fire starting assembly 100 are arranged in an operative state. Additionally, the planks 112 a-f of FIG. 1 can be planks that are similar to the planks 102 a-f depicted in FIG. 7, but with the planks 112 a-f having heights that are less than the heights of the planks 102 a-f.

A fire starting assembly such as the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1 can be manufactured by arranging the planks 102 a-f in proximity to each other. Holes can then be drilled through each of the planks 102 a-f at each end of each plank 102 a-f to form the apertures 106 a-f and the apertures 110 a-f. In some implementations, the holes drilled through the planks 102 a-f can be uniformly shaped and uniformly spaced from the ends of the planks 102 a-f. Holes can then be drilled through each end of each plank 112 a-f to form the apertures 116 a-f and the apertures 120 a-f. The planks 112 a-f can then be arranged in proximity to the planks 102 a-f.

The first connecting member 104 can be threaded through the apertures 106 a-f of the planks 102 a-f. The ends of the first connecting member 104 can then be secured to one another (e.g. by tying the ends together or by fastening the ends together using one or more fasteners). The third connecting member 114 can be threaded through the apertures 116 a-f of the planks 112 a-f and the ends of the third connecting member 114 can be secured to each other (e.g., by tying them together). The first ends of the planks 112 a-f can then be positioned near the first ends of the planks 102 a-f such that the planks 102 a-f surround the planks 112 a-f. The third connecting member 114 can be connected to the first connecting member 104 either through use of the securing member 118 or by tying a portion of the third connecting member 114 to the first connecting member 104 or vice versa.

The second connecting member 108 can then be threaded through the apertures 110 a-f of the planks 102 a-f and the apertures 120 a-f of the planks 112 a-f to connect the second ends of the planks 102 a-f and the planks 112 a-f. In some implementations, the second connecting member 108 is threaded through the apertures 110 a-f and the apertures 120 a-f in an alternating fashion such that the planks 102 a-f alternate with the planks 112 a-f along the length of the second connecting member 108. The ends of the second connecting member 108 can then be secured to each other such that the second connecting member 108 forms a loop.

FIG. 8 shows a fire starting kit 800 that includes the fire starting assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The fire starting assembly 100 is shown in a compact, non-operative state in FIG. 8. The fire starting kit 800 can include a packaging or carrying case for the fire starting assembly 100, such as a burlap bag 802. The fire starting assembly 100 can be inserted into the burlap bag 802 for easy storage and transportation. Additionally, in use, the burlap bag 802 can be balled up and placed within an interior space defined by the fire starting assembly 100 when the fire starting assembly 100 is in an operative state (e.g., when the planks of the fire starting assembly 100 are arranged to form a “teepee” type structure). The burlap sack can be lit while positioned within the internal space to start a fire. The burlap bag 802 can include a draw string 804 that can be used to close the burlap bag 802 to prevent the fire starting assembly 100 from falling out of the burlap bag when the fire starting assembly 100 is being transported inside of the burlap bag 802.

The fire starting kit 800 can additionally include paper 806 that can be balled up and inserted in the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100 when the fire starting assembly 100 is in the operative state. In use, the paper can be lit to cause the fire starting assembly 100 to catch fire. The fire starting kit 800 can additionally include one or more cotton balls 810 that can be used in starting a fire using the fire starting assembly 100. In some embodiments, the cotton balls 810 can be treated using petroleum jelly or another flammable material. In use, the cotton balls can be placed within the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100 when in the operative state and lit in order to start a fire using the fire starting assembly 100. For example, the fire starting kit 800 can include one or more matches 808 that can be struck to create a flame. The flame can then be applied to one or more of the cotton balls 810, the paper 806 or the burlap bag 802 positioned within the internal space defined by the fire starting assembly 100 in the operative state. When in a non-operative state (e.g., prior to use in starting a fire), the fire starting assembly 100 can be inserted into the burlap bag 802 along with one or more of the matches 808, the cotton balls 810, and the paper 806.

In some implementations, the fire starting assembly 100 can be provided unassembled (e.g., as a kit) to allow for an end user to assemble the kit to form the fire starting assembly. For example, planks and connecting members (e.g., twine, string, etc.) can be provided unassembled and end users can assemble the components to form the fire starting assembly 100 (e.g., as a form of entertainment to keep children busy at a campsite).

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fire starting assembly comprising: a first plurality of planks, each plank of the first plurality of planks having a first end and a second end; a first connecting member that engages the first end of each of the first plurality of planks, the first connecting member forming a first loop such that each plank in the first plurality of planks is adjacent to two other planks of the first plurality of planks along the first loop formed by the first connecting member; and a second connecting member that engages the second end of each of the first plurality of planks, the second connecting member forming a second loop and having a length that is greater than a length of the first connecting member.
 2. The fire starting assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a second plurality of planks, each plank of the second plurality of planks having a first end and a second end; and a third connecting member that engages the first end of each of the second plurality of planks, the third connecting member forming a third loop and having a length that is less than the length of the second connecting member; wherein the second connecting member engages the second end of each of the second plurality of planks.
 3. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein the third connecting member is secured to the first connecting member.
 4. The fire starting assembly of claim 3, wherein the third connecting member is secured to the first connecting member by a securing member.
 5. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein the second connecting member engages the second end of each of the plurality of first planks and the second end of each of the plurality of second planks in an alternating pattern such that each plank in the first plurality of planks is adjacent to two planks from the second plurality of planks along the second connecting member.
 6. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein the length of the third connecting member is less than the length of the first connecting member
 7. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein each plank of the second plurality of planks has a height that is less than a height of each plank of the first plurality of planks.
 8. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein the first, second, and third connecting members comprise twine, string, or rope.
 9. The fire starting assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting members comprise twine, string, or rope.
 10. The fire starting assembly of claim 1, wherein the planks in the first plurality of planks comprise a flammable material.
 11. The fire starting assembly of claim 1, wherein each plank in the first plurality of planks has substantially the same height.
 12. The fire starting assembly of claim 1, wherein each plank in the first plurality of planks includes a first aperture positioned at the first end and a second aperture positioned at the second end; and wherein the first connecting member is threaded through each of the first apertures and the second connecting member is threaded through each of the second apertures.
 13. The fire starting assembly of claim 2, wherein each plank in the first plurality of planks includes a first aperture positioned at the first end and a second aperture positioned at the second end; wherein each plank in the second plurality of planks includes a third aperture positioned at the first end and a fourth aperture positioned at the second end; and the first connecting member is threaded through each of the first apertures, the second connecting member is threaded through each of the second and fourth apertures, and the third connecting member is threaded through each of the third apertures.
 14. A method of starting a fire comprising: obtaining a fire starting assembly having: a first plurality of planks, each plank of the first plurality of planks having a first end and a second end; a first connecting member that engages the first end of each of the first plurality of planks, the first connecting member forming a first loop; and a second connecting member that engages the second end of each of the first plurality of planks, the second connecting member forming a second loop and having a length that is greater than a length of the first connecting member; arranging the fire starting assembly such that the second ends of the planks in the first plurality of planks are spaced apart at distances that are greater than distances between the first ends of the planks in the first plurality of planks and the first ends of the planks are positioned vertically higher than the second ends of the planks; and applying a flame to the fire starting assembly.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the distances between the second ends of the planks are at least partially defined by the second connecting member and the distances between the first ends of the planks are at least partially defined by the first connecting member.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: prior to arranging the fire starting assembly, removing the fire starting assembly from a container, the container comprising a flammable material; and prior to applying the flame to the fire starting assembly, positioning at least a portion of the container within an interior space defined by the fire starting assembly. 